The surname Martin derives from the popular first name. The first name Martin has ancient origins which start at the same source as the first name Mark. Both these first names derive from the Latin name Martius, which means ‘of Mars’. Mars was a pagan god of war, and thus Martius was a common name for a warrior. Strictly speaking, Martin is a diminutive of Martius.

Martin owes its popularity as a Christian name to the fourth-century Saint Martin, who was originally a soldier but finally ended up as Bishop of Tours in France. His best- known act was tearing his cloak in two and giving one half to a beggar.

Occasionally, the surname Martin derives from a place name. There are in fact villages called Martin or Marten in six English counties; and from this source the surname would mean ‘a person from Martin (or Marten)’. The place name means ‘a place near a mere or lake’.

The most widespread variations on Martin are Marten, Martyn and Martell. The last of these is a double diminutive (though occasionally it is an occupational name coming from the same Old French word, which means a hammer). The name Martinsmith, which looks occupational, is actually a corruption of the medieval Martinsmough, ‘Martin’s brother- in-law’. The same development is seen in Hudsmith (Hud’s-i.e. Hugh’s-brother-in-law), while the original form remains in Watmough, ‘Walter’s brother-in-law’, and Hitchmough, ‘Richard’s brother-in-law’. Martinson or Martenson, as well as Martins or Martens, are also derivatives of Martin. In other languages the name appears as Martine, Martines, Martinez, Martineau, Martinelli, Martini, Martino and Martinuzzi.

The first name Martin appears in its Latinised form Martius in the Domesday Book records for 1066. However, the surname does not appear until a century later, the first mention being in the Red Book of the Exchequer for Cambridgeshire. Here in 1166 Walter and Helewis Martin are listed.

Martin brothers have on several occasions made major names for themselves in the decorative arts. In the eighteenth century Robert, Julien, Guilhaume and Étienne-Simon Martin invented and perfected the application of a special lacquer for furniture and furnishings. Known as vernis-Martin, this was extensively used at Versailles.

Admiral Sir William F. Martin was renowned in the Royal Navy for having his men arrested (‘pinched’) for even the slightest offence. Ever since, any Martin joining the Navy picks up the nickname ‘Pincher’.

Simon Manfritie de Borton (1210—85) ascended the papal throne in 1281 calling himself Martin IV, under the mistaken assumption that there had already been Popes Martin II and III. His entire short reign was marred by similar ineptitudes, and he was driven from Rome by a popular uprising in 1285.

Glen Luther Martin (1886—1955) was a pioneer aviator and aircraft manufacturer. He made the first flight over the ocean, a short hop from Newport Beach to Santa Catalina Island. Later he formed a large aeroplane manufacturing company, which was responsible for producing such epoch- making craft as the B-26 bomber and the PBM Marina flying boat. Both of these played a major part in the World War II bombing of Germany.

Martins are members of the swallow family. The mud martin is so named because it makes its nest of sticks, straw and mud. Martens are weasel-like carnivores found in Canada, the northern US, Europe and the Far East. The soft, thick fur of these creatures is much valued.

In all, 8 towns in the United Kingdom are Martin-related. There are 17 in the United States including 5 Martins and 5 Martinsburgs. South Africa has a Martindale while New Zealand has a Martinborough. Because of the Saint Martin connections, related town and geographic names are widespread and notably prevalent in Latin-language areas.

With about 185,000 namesakes Martin is the 29th most popular surname in England and Wales. There are over 17.000 Martins in Scotland where it is 36th in popularity. In Ireland it is estimated that with about 15,000, Martin is the 38th most popular surname. The name is notably popular in and around Glasgow where an estimated one in about 269 families bears it. In descending numerical order Edinburgh, Nottingham and Leicester are other Martin strongholds. Around the world Martins are most popular in Canberra (one in 377 families), Ottawa (one in 417) and Sydney (one in 432). The United States counts Martins, Martinsons and Martinez’s together-an estimated total of just over 1.179.000 makes this group their 8th most popular surname.